Calif. Chihuahuas coming to NYC

NEW YORK 
Fifteen Chihuahuas are arriving in New York City from California. A glut of the tiny dogs is overloading the Golden State's animal shelters.

The dogs are coming on two flights from San Francisco on Wednesday afternoon. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will have the dogs ready for adoption on Jan. 13.

The ASPCA said it hoped a long-term partnership with Virgin America or another airline would allow "Operation Chihuahua Airlift" to continue.

About 30 percent of California shelter dogs are Chihuahuas. It's believed movies like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" have made them popular. But ASPCA Vice President Gail Buchwald said "irresponsible breeding" was the probable cause. She said the East Coast has long had a shortage of small dogs.